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LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

PRINCETON,  N.  J. 


,  £0^3 


Divisio  n...^T^^T 


Section 


Se*^^ 


KEEP  THIS   BOOK   CLEAN 

DO   NOT  TURN   DOWN  THE   LEAVES. 

IF  INJURED,    A  FINE    WILL   BE   REQUIRED. 

HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/meditationsOOwari 


gnm©  ant) 


epilations 


v/ 
By    Miss    A.   L.   WARING. 


AN    INTRODUCTION 


THE    REV.    F.    D.    HUNTINGTON,    D.  D. 


FROM    THE    EIGHTH    LONDON    EDITION. 


'■P't^^j, 


BOSTON: 
E.    P.   DUTTON   AND   COMPANY 
(£ !)  u  v  c  tj    19  it  b  I  i  s  |)  e  t  s  . 

1863. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Co  tigress  in  the  year  1863,  by 

E.  P.  Dutton  &  Co., 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of 
Massachusetts. 


RIVERSIDE,    CAMBRIDGE: 
STEREOTYPED   AND   PRINTED   BY   H.    0.    HOUGHTON. 


1 6  IS 


vyz 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  reasons  that  induce  me.  to  recom- 
mend the  republication  of  this  little  volume 
are  easily  stated.  It  belongs  to  a  class  of 
devotional  writings  having  a  peculiar  min- 
istry and  a  peculiar  value,  —  a  value  not 
the  less  real  because  it  is  not  the  fashion 
of  the  age  to  magnify  it.  The  class  is  not 
large  ;  but  within  it  this  work  takes  a  high 
place.  The  tone  of  spiritual  thought  and 
feeling  in  most  of  the  pieces  is  very  lofty 
and  very  pure.  The  ideas  of  a  Christian 
life  which  are  wrought  into  the  poetry  are 
always  both  strong  and  tender,  vigorous  and 
gentle,  brave  and  trustful.  We  find  few 
traces  of  that  refined  religious  selfishness  on 
the  one  hand,  and  that  feeble  sentimental- 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

ism  on  the  other,  which  vitiate  so  much 
of  the  pious  literature,  and  especially  the 
metrical  pious  literature,  of  modern  times. 
A  state  of  comfortable  pietistic  complacency 
is  not  here  put  instead  of  a  self-renouncing 
submission  to  the  perfect  will  of  God,  nor 
does  the  call  to  action  ring  out  with  the 
less  clearness  and  power,  because  we  see 
laid  open  before  us  the  divine  depths  of  a 
complete  and  serene  communion  with  the 
indwelling    Christ.     It    is    not    common    to 

CD 

meet  with  the  expression  of  a  more  pro- 
found, more  healthy,  more  child-like  faith, 
or  in  more  chaste,  beautiful,  and  harmoni- 
ous words,  than  in  the  lyrics  numbered 
VIII.,  XIV.,  XV.,  XVII.,  XIX.,  xx.,  xxv., 
xxvi.,  and  xxxn.  These  alone  would  jus- 
tify the  claims  of  a  book  taking  much  more 
room  than  this  one. 

Undoubtedly,  there  are  degrees  in  the 
poetical  merit  of  the  different  pieces  in  the 
volume,  as  might  be  expected.  It  would 
be  unreasonable  to  imply  that  these  unpre- 


INTRODUCTION.  J 

tending  songs  are,  in  whole  or  in  part,  proofs 
of  the  possession  of  the  very  loftiest  degree 
of  the  creative  gift,  or  to  presume  that  all 
Christian  minds  will  prize  them  equally. 
But  tastes  are  so  various,  that  it  is  safe 
to  include  all  that  appear  in  the  London 
edition.  Indeed,  there  is  hardly  one  that 
does  not  bear  upon  it  at  least  some  slight 
trace  of  a  refined  perception  and  a  select 
faculty  ;   as,  for  example  :  — 

"And  let  my  moments,  as  they  flee, 
Unfold  my  endless  life  in  Thee!''1 

"A  heart  at  leisure  from  itself." 

"  Songs  of  defence  my  soul  surround." 

"  On  thee  my  humbled  soul  would  wait, 
Her  utmost  weakness  calmly  learning." 

"  A  life  of  self-renouncing  love 
Is  a  life  of  liberty." 

"  Put  doubts  of  my  affection  by, 
And  make  me  free  to  sing  of  thine." 

"  For  all  the  work  I  have  to  do, 
Is  done  through  strengthening  rest  in  Tliee." 

"  And  when  Thy  joy  the  Church  o'erflows, 
I  know  that  it  will  visit  me." 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

Into  such  stanzas  as  the  following  inven- 
tive thought  and  holy  trust  crowd  their 
meaning  compactly  and  yet  musically :  — 

"  Oft  in  a  dark  and  lonety  place, 

I  hush  my  hastened  breath, 
To  hear  the  comfortable  words 

Thy  loving  Spirit  saith; 
And  feel  my  safety  in  thy  hand 

From  every  kind  of  death.'''' 

"Glory  to  thee  for  strength  withheld, 

For  want  and  weakness  known, — 
The  fear  that  sends  me  to  thy  breast 

For  what  is  most  my  own. 
I  have  a  heritage  of  joy 

That  yet  I  must  not  see; 
The  hand  that  bled  to  make  it  mine 

Is  keeping  it  for  me." 

"Henceforth,  whate'er  my  heart's  desire, 
Fulfil  in  me  thy  own  design; 
I  need  the  Fountain  and  the  Fire, 
And  both,  0  King  of  Saints,  are  thine." 

Nor  will  any  reader  who  has  ever  made 
a  study  of  style  fail  to  notice  the  frequent 
occurrence  of  fine  discriminations  in  the 
application  of  terms,  of  delicate  shades  of 
imaginative   coloring,   and  of  a  certain  re- 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

serve  and  self-command  in  the  use  of  fancy 
when  there  was  an  obvious  temptation  to 
a  much  more  prodigal  expenditure  of  it. 
Repeatedly  we  find  line  after  line  of  words 
of  a  single  syllable.  Such  simplicity  is  not 
often  found  except  in  union  with  strength. 
One  is  led  to  believe  that  this  is  one  of 
those  instances  where  intellectual  originality 
is  both  developed  and  disciplined  by  the 
energy  of  a  spiritual  life  in  the  soul.  It 
is  doubtful  whether  the  author  would  ever 
have  appeared  as  a  genius,  if  "  the  eyes 
of  her  understanding  "  had  not  been  "  en- 
lightened "  by  that  "  love  of  Christ  which 
passeth  knowledge,"  —  so  comprehending 
"  what  is  the  length  and  breadth  and 
depth    and    height." 

F.  D.  H. 
Boston, 

Day  of  the  Annunciation, 
1863. 


fjgmns  anb  ftteuitatton.-. 


"  My  times  are  in  Thy  hand."  —  Psalm  xxxi.  15. 

RATHER,  I  know  that  all  my  life 
Is  portioned  out  for  me, 
And  the  changes  that  are  sure  to  come, 

I  do  not  fear  to  see ; 
But  I  ask  Thee  for  a  present  mind 
Intent  on  pleasing  Thee. 


I  ask  Thee  for  a  thoughtful  love, 
Through  constant  watching  wise, 

To  meet  the  glad  with  joyful  smiles, 
And  to  wipe  the  weeping  eyes; 

And  a  heart  at  leisure  from  itself, 
To  soothe  and  sympathize. 


12  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

I  would  not  have  the  restless  will 

That  hurries  to  and  fro, 
Seeking  for  some  great  thing  to  do, 

Or  secret  thing  to  know  ; 
I  would  be  treated  as  a  child, 

And  guided  where  I  go. 

Wherever  in  the  world  I  am, 

In  whatsoe'er  estate, 
I  have  a  fellowship  with  hearts 

To  keep  and  cultivate  ; 
And  a  work  of  lowly  love  to  do 

For  the  Lord  on  whom  I  wait. 

So  I  ask  Thee  for  the  daily  strength, 

To  none  that  ask  denied, 
And  a  mind  to  blend  with  outward  life 

While  keeping  at  Thy  side  ; 
Content  to  fill  a  little  space, 

If  Thou  be  glorified. 

And  if  some  things  I  do  not  ask, 
In  my  cup  of  blessing  be, 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  13 

I  would  have  my  spirit  filled  the  more 
With  grateful  love  to  Thee  — 

More  careful  —  not  to  serve  Thee  much, 
But  to  please  Thee  perfectly. 

There  are  briers  besetting  every  path, 

That  call  for  patient  care  ; 
There  is  a  cross  in  every  lot, 

And  an  earnest  need  for  prayer ; 
But  a  lowly  heart  that  leans  on  Thee 

Is  happy  anywhere. 

In  a  service  which  Thy  will  appoints, 

There  are  no  bonds  for  me  ; 
For    my    inmost     heart     is     taught    "  the 
truth  " 

That  makes  Thy  children  "free;" 
And  a  life  of  self-renouncing  love, 

Is  a  life  of  liberty. 


II. 


"  Thou  maintainest  my  lot. 


-Psalm  xvi.  5. 


^OURCE     of     my     life's     refreshing 

)p         springs, 
Whose  presence  in  my  heart  sustains  me, 
Thy  love  appoints  me  pleasant  things, 
Thy  mercy  orders  all  that  pains  me. 

If  loving  hearts  were  never  lonely, 
If  all  they  wish  might  always  be, 

Accepting  what  they  look  for  only, 

They  might  be  glad,  but  not  in  Thee. 


Well  may  Thy  own  beloved,  who  see 
In  all  their  lot  their  Father's  pleasure, 

Bear  loss  of  all  they  love,  save  Thee, 
Their  living,  everlasting  treasure 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  1 5 

Well  may  Thy  happy  children  cease 
From  restless  wishes  prone  to  sin, 

And,  in  Thy  own  exceeding  peace, 
Yield  to  Thy  daily  discipline. 

We  need  as  much  the  cross  we  bear, 
As  air  we  breathe,  —  as  light  we  see ; 

It  draws  us  to  Thy  side  in  prayer, 
It  binds  us  to  our  strength  in  Thee. 


III. 


"  If  ye  shall  ask  anything  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it."— > 
John  xiv.  14. 


promise 


shall 


prayer     to    the 
cling  — 
I  will  not  give  heed  to  a  doubt ; 
For  I  ask  for  the  one  needful  thing, 
Which  I  cannot  be  happy  without. 


A  spirit  of  lowly  repose 

In  the  love  of  the  Lamb  that  was  slain, 
A  heart  to  be  touched  with  his  woes, 

And  a  care  not  to  grieve  Him  again  — 


The  peace  that  my  Saviour  has  bought, 
The  cheerfulness  nothing  can  dim, 

The  love  that  can  bring  every  thought 
Into  perfect  obedience  to  Him  — 


HYMNS   AND    MEDITATIONS.  1J 

The  wisdom  his  mercy  to  own 

In  the  way  he  directs  me  to  take, — 

To  glory  in  Jesus  alone, 

And  to  love,  and  do  good  for  His  sake. 

All  this  Thou  hast  offered  to  me 
In  the  promise  whereon  1  will  rest ; 

For  faith,   O  my  Saviour,  in  Thee, 
Is  the  substance  of  all  my  request. 

Thy  word  has  commanded  my  prayer, 
Thy  spirit  has  taught  me  to  pray ; 

And  all  my  unholy  despair 
Is  ready  to  vanish  away. 

Thou  wilt  not  be  weary  of  me, 
Thy  promise  my  faith  will  sustain, 

And  soon,  veiy  soon,  I  shall  see 

That  I  have  not  been  asking  in  vain. 


IV. 


"I,  even  I,  am  He  that  comforteth  you."  —  Isaiah  li.  12. 

|M|WEET  is  the  solace  of  Thy  love, 
ig^S^g     My  Heavenly  Friend,  to  me, 
While  through  the  hidden  way  of  faith 

I  journey  home  with  Thee, 
Learning  by  quiet  thankfulness 

As  a  dear  child  to  be. 


Though  from  the  shadow  of  Thy  peace 

My  feet  would  often  stray, 
Thy  mercy  follows  all  my  steps, 

And  will  not  turn  away  ; 
Yea,  thou  wilt  comfort  me  at  last, 

As  none  beneath  Thee  may. 


l9 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Oft  in  a  dark  and  lonely  place, 
I  hush  my  hastened  breath, 

To  hear  the  comfortable  words 
Thy  loving  Spirit  saith  ; 

And  feel  my  safety  in  Thy  hand 
From  every  kind  of  death. 

O  there  is  nothing  in  the  world 
To  weigh  against  Thy  will ; 

Even  the  dark  times  I  dread  the  most 
Thy  covenant  fulfil ; 

And  when  the  pleasant  morning  dawns 
I  find  Thee  with  me  still. 


Then  in  the  secret  of  my  soul, 
Though  hosts  my  peace  invade, 

Though  through  a  waste  and  weary  land 
My  lonely  way  be  made, 

Thou,  even  Thou,  wilt  comfort  me  — 
I  need  not  be  afraid. 

Still  in  the  solitary  place 
I  would  awhile  abide, 


20 


EYMXS  AXD    MEDITATIONS. 


Till  with  the  solace  of  Thy  love 

My  heart  is  satisfied ; 
And  all  my  hopes  of  happiness 

Stay  calmly  at  Thy  side. 


V. 


"  I  will  pour  water  on  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  floods  upon 
the  dry  ground."  —  Isaiah  xliv.  3. 


SOURCE  of  my  spirit's  deep  desire 
For    living    joys    that    shall    not 
perish, 
The  patient  hope  Thy  words  inspire, 
Still  let  Thy  tender  mercy  cherish. 


On   Thee  my  humbled  soul  would  wait, 
Her  utmost  weakness  calmly  learning, 

And  see  Thy  grace  its  way  create, 

Through  thorns   and  briers  which    Thou 


art  burning.* 


Gladly  my  inmost  heart  would  know 
The  love  that  now  it  faintly  traces, 

*  Isaiah  xxvii.  4. 


22  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

And  see  the  streams  from  Zion  flow 
O'er  all  its  waste  and  desert  places. 

And  still  I  hope  —  O  not  in  vain  ! 

I  know,  this  holy  seed  possessing, 
Thou  wilt  come  down  like  gentle  rain, 

And  make  the  barren  ground  a  blessing. 


VI. 


"  The  Lord  blessed  the  Seventh  day  and  hallowed  it. 
Exodus  xx.  11. 


jEAM  on  us  brightly,  blessed  day, 
Dawn     softly    for    our    Saviour's 
sake  ; 

And  waft  thy  sweetness  o'er  our  way, 
To  draw  us  heavenward  when  we  wake. 


O  holy  life  that  shall  not  end, 

Light  that  will  never  cease  to  be  — 

May  every  Sabbath-day  we  spend, 
Add  to  our  happiness  in  Thee. 


VII. 


"In  returning  and  rest  shall  ye  be  saved;  in  quietness 
and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength."  —  Isaiah  xxx.  15. 


'ITH  a  heart  full  of  anxious  request, 
Which  my  Father  in  heaven  be- 
stowed, 
I  wandered  alone,  and  distressed, 

In  search  of  a  quiet  abode. 
Astray  and  distracted  I  cried,  — 

Lord,  where  would' st  Thou  have  me   to 
be? 
And  the  voice  of  the  Lamb  that  had  died 
Said,  Come,  my  beloved,  to  me. 


I  went  —  for  He  mightily  wins 

Weary  souls  to  His  peaceful  retreat  — 

And  He  gave  me  forgiveness  of  sins, 
And  songs  that  I  love  to  repeat ; 


HYMNS  AND    MEDITATIONS.  25 

And  oft  as  my  enemies  came, 
My  views  of  His  glory  to  dim, 

He  taught  me  to  trust  in  His  name, 
And  to  triumph  by  leaning  on  Him. 

Made  pure  by  the  blood  that  He  shed, 

My  heart  in  His  presence  was  free  ; 
I  was  hungry  and  thirsty  —  He  fed  ; 

I  was  sick,  and  he  comforted  me  ; 
He  gave  me  the  blessing  complete  — 

The  hope  that  is  with  me  to-day, 
And  a  quiet  abode  at  his  feet, 

That  shall  not  be  taken  away. 


VIII. 

"  The  Lord  is  the  i^rtion  of  mine  inheritance." — Psalm 
tvi.  5. 


'HOUGH  some  good  things  of  lower 

worth 

My  heart  is  called  on  to  resign, 
Of  all  the  gifts  in  heaven  and  earth, 
The  greatest  and  the  best  is  mine  : 
The  love  of  God  in  Christ  made  known  — 
The  love  that  is  enough  alone, 
My  Father's  love  is  all  my  own. 


My  soul's  Restorer,  let  me  learn 
In  that  deep  love  to  live  and  rest 

Let  me  the  precious  thing  discern 
Of  which  I  am  indeed  possess'd. 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  27 

My  treasure  let  me  feel  and  see, 
And  let  my  moments,  as  they  flee, 
Unfold  my  endless  life  in  Thee. 

Let  me  not  dwell  so  much  within 

My  bounded  heart,  with  anxious  heed  — 
Where  all  my  searches  meet  with  sin, 

And  nothing  satisfies  my  need  — 
It  shuts  me  from  the  sound  and  sight 
Of  that  pure  world  of  life  and  light, 
Which  has  no  breadth,  or  length,  or  height. 

Let  me  Thy  power,  Thy  beauty  see  ; 

So  shall  the  hopeless  labor  cease, 
And  my  free  heart  shall  follow  Thee 

Through  paths  of  everlasting  peace. 
My  strength  Thy  gift, — my  life  Thy  care, — 
I  shall  forget  to  seek  elsewhere 
The  wealth  to  which  my  soul  is  heir. 

I  was  not  called  to  walk  alone, 

To  clothe  myself  with  love  and  light ; 


28  HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

And  for  Thy  glory,  not  my  own, 

My  soul  is  precious  in  Thy  sight. 
My  evil  heart  can  never  be 
A  home,  a  heritage  for  me  ■ — 
But  Thou  canst  make  it  fit  for  Thee. 


IX. 


"I  will  fear  no  evil,  for  thou  art  with  me.' 
xiii.  4. 


Psalm 


N  Heavenly  Love  abiding, 

No  change  my  heart  shall  fear, 
And  safe  is  such  confiding, 
For  nothing  changes  here. 
The  storm  may  roar  without  me, 

My  heart  may.  low  be  laid, 
But  God  is  round  about  me, 
And  can  I  be  dismayed  ? 


Wherever  He  may  guide  me, 
No  want  shall  turn  me  back ; 

My  Shepherd  is  beside  me, 
And  nothing  can  I  lack. 


30  HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

His  wisdom  ever  waketh, 
His  sight  is  never  dim, — 

He  knows  the  way  He  taketh, 
And  I  will  walk  with  Him. 

Green  pastures  are  before  me, 

Which  yet  I  have  not  seen  ; 
Bright  skies  will  soon  be  o'er  me, 

Where  the  dark  clouds  have  been. 
My  hope  I  cannot  measure, 

My  path  to  life  is  free, 
My  Saviour  has  my  treasure, 

And  He  will  walk  with  me. 


X. 


"  There  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother.' 
—  Prov.  xviii.  24. 


were    more 


closely 


>OULD    that 
bound 
To  my  Beloved,  who  ever  lives ; 
Would  that  my  soul  were  always  found 

Abiding  in  the  peace  He  gives ; 
Would  that  I  might  more  clearly  see 
His  love  an  heritage  for  me  ; 
More  surely  know,  more  meekly  own, 
His  bounteous  grace  my  strength  alone  ! 


And  much  I  wish  —  but  I  will  pray 
For  wisdom  that  the  lowly  find, — 

And,  O  my  Saviour,  every  day, 

More  of  Thy  meek  and  quiet  mind. 


32  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

The  comfort  of  a  mind  at  rest 
From  every  care  Thou  hast  not  blest, 
A  heart  from  all  the  world  set  free, 
To  worship  and  to  wait  on  Thee. 

Ah  !   my  Beloved  who  wilt  not  die, 

Whose  spirit  does  not  change  with  mine, 
Put  doubts  of  my  affection  by, 

And  make  me  free  to  sing  of  Thine. 
The  more  Thy  goodness  I  confess, 
I  shall  not  surely  love  Thee  less  ; 
The  more  myself  alone  I  see, 
The  farther  off  I  feel  from  Thee. 

Thou  art  my  life's  restoring  rest, 
In  Thee  for  safety  let  me  hide, — 

And  win  me  for  Thy  grateful  guest 
By  love  that  will  not  be  denied. 

Try  me  with  Thy  refining  fire, 

Array  me  in  Thy  white  attire, 

Be  Wisdom,  Righteousness  to  me, 

The  River  of  my  pleasures  be, 

And  fill  my  life  with  love  of  Thee. 


XL 


I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times."  — Psalm  xxxiv.  1. 


^EXDER  mercies,  on  my  way 
Falling  softly  like  the  dew, 
Sent  me  freshly  every  day, 
I  will  bless  the  Lord  for  you. 


Though  I  have  not  all  I  would, 
Though  to  greater  bliss  I  go, 

Every  present  gift  of  good 
To  Eternal  Love  I  owe. 


Source  of  all  that  comforts  me, 
Well  of  joy  for  which  I  long, 

Let  the  song  I  sino;  to  Thee 
Be  an  everlasting  sono;. 


XII. 

"Thou,  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive;  and  plen- 
teous in  mercy  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  Thee."  —  Psalm 
lxxxvi.  5. 


Y  Saviour  whose  infinite  grace 
Most  kindly  encompasses  me, 
Whose    goodness    more    brightly   ] 
trace, 
The  more  of  my  life  that  I  see.  — 
The  sins  that  I  mournfully  own, 

Thy  meekness  and  mercy  exalt,  — 
And  sweet  is  the  voice  from  Thy  throne, 
That  tenderly  shows  me  a  fault. 


Even  now,  while  my  praises  arise, 
A  sorrowful  spirit  is  mine  ; 

A  spirit  Thou  wilt  not  despise, 

For  oh  !    it  is  mourning  with  Thine. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 


25 


My  joy  is  in  light  from  above, 

The  light  which  Thy  kindness  displays  ; 
My  grief  is  for  lack  of  the  love 

That  would  tune  my  whole  life  to  Thy 
praise. 

My  faithful  Redeemer,  forgive 

The  sin  it  has  grieved  Thee  to  see, 
And  let  me  remember  to  live 

In  the  Spirit  that  glorifies  Thee. 
Though  much  in  Thy  child  Thou  hast  borne, 

Thy  counsels  still  gently  repeat, 
And  give  me,  if  still  I  must  mourn, 

To  mourn  as  a  child  at  Thy  feet. 


XIII. 


"  I  will  trust  in  the  covert  of  Thv  wings." — Psalm  Ixi.  4. 


XDER  Thy  wings,  my  God,  I  rest , 

Under  Thy  shadow  safely  lie  ; 
By  Thy  own  strength  in  peace  pos- 
sessed, 
"While  dreaded  evils  pass  me  by. 


"With  strong  desire  I  here  can  stav 
To  see  Thy  love  its  work  complete ; 

Here  I  can  wait  a  long  delay, 
Reposing  at  my  Saviour's  feet. 


My  place  of  lowly  service,  too, 

Beneath  Thy  sheltering  wings  I  see  ; 

For  all  the  work  I  have  to  do 

Is    done    through    strengthening    rest    in 
Thee. 


HYMXS  AND    MEDITATIONS.  37 

I  would  not  rise  this  rest  above  ; 

I  do  not  mourn  my  low  estate  ; 
Sure  of  my  riches  in  Thy  love, 

I  feel  it  good  to  trust  and  wait. 

In  faith  and  patience  is  repose ; 

In  faith  and  rest  my  strength  shall  be  ; 
And  when  Thy  joy  the  church  o'erflows, 

I  know  that  it  will  visit  me. 


XIV. 

"  For  the  Lord  shall  comfort  Zion :  He  will  comfort  all  her 
waste  places;  and  He  will  make  her  wilderness  like  Eden, 
and  her  desert  like  the  garden  of  the  Lord;  joy  and  gladness 
shall  be  found  therein,  thanksgiving,  and  the  voice  of  mel- 
ody."—  Isaiah  li.  3. 

"  Sing,  O  Heavens;  and  be  joyful,  O  Earth;  for  the  Lord 
hath  comforted  his  people." — Isaiah  xlix.  13. 


LIVING,  loving,  lasting  word, 
My  listening  ear  believing  heard, 
While  bending  down  in  prayer 
Like  a  sweet  breeze  that  none  can  stay, 
It  passed  my  soul  upon  its  way, 
And  left  a  blessing  there. 


Then  joyful  thoughts  that  come  and  go, 
By  paths  the  holy  angels  know, 
Encamped  around  my  soul ; 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  39 

As  in  a  dream  of  blest  repose, 
'Mid  withered  reeds  a  river  rose, 
And  through  the  desert  stole. 

I  lifted  up  my  eyes  to  see  — 
The  wilderness  was  glad  for  me, 

Its  thorns  were  bright  with  bloom  ; 
And  onward  travellers  still  in  sight, 
Marked  out  a  path  of  shining  light, 

And  shade  unmixed  with  gloom. 

O  sweet  the  strains  of  those  before, 
"  The  weary  knees  are  weak  no  more, 

The  faithful  heart  is  strong ;  " 
But  sweeter,  nearer,  from  above, 
That  word  of  everlasting  love, 

The  promise  and  the  song. 


XV. 


"  I  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  wait,  and  in  His  word 
do  I  hope." — Psalm  cxxx.  5. 


Y  Saviour,  on  the  word  of  truth 

In  earnest  hope  I  live  ; 
I  ask  for  all  the  precious  things 
Thy  boundless  love  can  give. 
I  look  for  many  a  lesser  light 

About  my  path  to  shine  ; 
But  chiefly  long  to  walk  with  Thee, 
And  only  trust  hi  Thine. 


In  holy  expectation  held, 

Thy  strength  my  heart  shall  stay, 
For  Thy  right  hand  will  never  let 

My  trust  be  cast  away. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  41 

Yea,  Thou  hast  kept  me  near  Thy  feet, 

In  many  a  deadly  strife, 
By  the  stronghold  of  hope  in  Thee, 

The  hope  of  endless  life. 

Thou  knowest  that  I  am  not  blest 

As  Thou  would'st  have  me  be, 
Till  all  the  peace  and  joy  of  faith 

Possess  my  soul  in  Thee  ; 
And  still  I  seek  'mid  many  fears, 

With  yearnings  unexprest, 
The  comfort  of  Thy  strengthening  love, 

Thy  soothing,  settling  rest. 

It  is  not  as  Thou  wilt  with  me, 

Till,  humbled  in  the  dust, 
I  know  no  place  in  all  my  heart 

Wherein  to  put  my  trust. 
Until  I  find,   O  Lord,  in  Thee, 

The  Lowly  and  the  Meek, 
That  fulness  which  Thy  own  redeemed 

Go  nowhere  else  to  seek. 


42  HYMNS  AND    MEDITATIONS. 

Then,  O  my  Saviour,  on  my  soul, 

Cast  down,  but  not  dismayed, 
Still  be  Thy  chastening,  healing  hand 

In  tender  mercy  laid. 
And  while  I  wait  for  all  Thy  joys, 

My  yearning  heart  to  fill, 
Teach  me  to  walk  and  work  with  Thee, 

And  at  Thy  feet  sit  still. 


XVI. 


A   NEW    YEAR'S    MORNING    SONG. 

11  He  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth,  even  thanksgiv- 
ing unto  our  God."— Psalm  ad.  3. 

HANKSGIVING  and  the  voice  of 
melody, 

This  new  year's  morning,  call  me 

from  my  sleep  ; 

A  new,  sweet  song  is  in  my  heart  for  Thee, 

Thou  faithful,  tender  Shepherd  of  the  sheep ; 

Thou  knowest  where   to  find,  and  how   to 

keep 
The   feeble   feet  that   tremble  where    they 

stray,  — 
O'er    the    dark    mountains  —  through    the 

whelming  deep  — 
Thy  everlasting  mercy  makes  its  way. 


44  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

The  past  is  not  so  dark  as  once  it  seemed, 
For  there   Thy  footprints,   now   distinct,    I 

see  ; 
And   seed   in    weakness    sown,   from    death 

redeemed, 
Is  springing  up,  and  bearing  fruit  in  Thee. 
Not   all    that    hath    been,  Lord,  henceforth 

shall  be  ; 
A  low,   sweet,   cheering   strain   is   in  mine 

ear, 
Thanksgiving,  and  the  voice  of  melody, 
Are  leading  in,  from  Heaven,  a  blest  new 

year. 

With    voice    subdued,    my    listening    spirit 

sings, 
As  backward  on  the  trodden  path  I  gaze, 
While  ministering  angels  fold  their  wings, 
To    fill   with    lowly   thoughts    my    song    of 

praise. 
The  shadow  of  the  past  on  future  days, 
Will    make    them    clear    to    my   instructed 
sight  ; 


HYMNS   AND    MEDITATIONS.  45 

For  the   heart's  knowledge   of  Thy  sacred 

ways, 
Even  in  its  deepest,  darkest  shades,  is  light. 

I  am  not  stronger  —  yet  I  do  not  fear 
The  present  pain,  the  conflict  yet  to  be  ; 
Experience  is  a  kind  voice  in  mine  ear, 
And  all  my  failures  bid  me  lean  on  Thee. 
No  future  suffering  can  seem  strange  to  me, 
While  in  the  hidden  part  I  feel  and  know 
The  wisdom  of  a  child  at  rest  and  free 
In    the   tried    love,  whose  judgment    keeps 
him  low. 

Thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of  melody  ! 
Oh,  to    my  tranquil   heart   how    sweet  the 

strain  ! 
Father  of  mercies,  it  arose  in  Thee, 
And  to  Thy  bosom  it  returns  again. 
There  let  my  grateful  song,  my  soul,  remain, 
Calm  in  the  risen  Saviour's  tender  care  ; 
And  welcome  any  trial,  any  pain, 
That    serves   to   keep  thy  faithful   children 

there. 


46  HYMXS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Thoughts  of  Thy  love  —  and  oh,  how  great 
the  sum  ! 

Enduring  grief,  obtaining  bliss  for  me  ; 

The  world,  life,  death,  things  present,  tilings 
to  come, 

All  swell  the  new  year's  opening  melody. 

Past,  present,  future,  all  things  worship 
Thee  ; 

And  I,  through  all,  with  trembling  joy  be- 
hold, 

While  mountains  fall,  and  treacherous  vis- 
ions flee, 

Thy  wandering  sheep  returning  to  the  fold. 


XVII. 

"Thou  hast  turned  for  me  my  mourning  into  dancing: 
Thou  hast  put  off  my  sackcloth  and  girded  me  with  glad- 
ness. To  the  end  that  my  glory  may  sing  praise  to  Thee, 
and  not  be  silent.  O  Lord  my  God,  I  will  give  thanks  unto 
Thee  for  ever."  —  Psalm  xxx.  11, 12. 


[TRENGTH    of    the    still    secluded 
thought, 

That  fears,  yet  longs,  its  joy  to  show,  — 
The  hope,  the  awe,  in  mercy  taught 
To  make  me  strong,  to  keep  me  low  ; 
Now  shall  my  girded  heart  rejoice, 
In  praise  poured  out,  in  love  expressed; 
Now  will  I  bless  Thee,  with  a  voice 
That  shall  not  break  this  sacred  rest. 


Once,  moved  by  every  mortal  pain, 
By  every  pleasure  quickly  past, 


48  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

I  feared  to  speak  in  joyful  strain 
Of  hidden  life  that  might  not  last. 
Now,  from  a  well  that  will  not  fail, 
In  Thee  my  deep  rejoicing  springs  — 
Now,  from  Thy  rest  within  the  veil, 
My  spirit  looks  on  passing  things. 

Once,  with  Thy  tired  ones  homeward  bent, 

In  hope  that  rose  then'  fears  above, 

My  leaping  heart  could  be  content 

To  greet  them  with  a  silent  love  ; 

I  too  had  walked  with  weary  feet, 

And  heard  the  exulting  shout  too  near  — 

I  too  had  felt  the  toil  and  heat, 

The  wind  and  storm  I  did  not  fear. 

Perhaps  the  Heavenward  look  in  store, 
The  speechless  prayer  for  strength  or  rest, 
Might  help  those  needy  spirits  more 
Than  hope  set  forth,  or  joy  expressed. 
But  I  was  changed,  I  knew  not  how, 
By  the  same  love  that  chose  their  ways,  — 
I  might  be  just  as  weary  now, 
And  yet  rejoice  to  hear  Thy  praise. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  49 

Now  would  I  cheer  the  faint  in  heart 
With  sound  of  joy  they  too  shall  see  ; 
Now  would  I  put  the  fear  apart, 
That  bids  me  hide  Thy  strength  in  me. 
What  though  the  mortal  flesh  be  frail, 
The  willing  spirit  prone  to  sink  — 
There  is  a  stream  in  Baca's  vale, 
Whereof  Thy  feeblest  child  may  drink. 

Some,  in  their  sorrow,  may  not  know 
How  near  their  feet  those  waters  glide  — 
How  peaceful  fruits  for  healing  grow, 
And  flowers  for  beauty  by  their  side. 
They  may  not  see,  with  weeping  eyes 
Upon  the  dreary  desert  bent, 
How  glorious  straight  before  them,  lies 
The  Eden  of  their  soul's  content. 

But,  O  my  Saviour,  I  can  see 
For  them,  what  once  for  me  was  seen  ; 
I  know,  whate'er  their  sufferings  be, 
The  tender  mercy  which  they  mean. 


50  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

I  do  not  watch,  with  anxious  care, 
To  see  the  end  of  their  distress  — 
Thou  knowest  what  the  heart  must  bear, 
The  human  heart  which  Thou  wilt  bless. 

And  in  their  daily  deepening  need 
Of  heavenly  love,  for  strength  or  rest, 
They  are  already  blest  indeed  — 
Yea,  and  much  more  they  shall  be  blest. 
Wrapt  in  the  spirit  of  Thy  praise, 
As  from  Gerizim's  height,  I  see 
Blessing  poured  out  on  all  the  ways, 
That  prove  Thy  children's  need  of  Thee. 

O  wondrous  love,  so  strong  to  smite  — 
So  meek  the  opposing  will  to  tame  ! 
It  was  Thy  hand  put  forth  in  might, 
That  led  me  through  the  flood,  the  flame. 
When,  needing  strength  to  bear   Thy  rod, 
By  the  smooth  stream  I  found  repose, 
It  was  Thy  grace,  All-seeing  God, 
Thy  love  that  smote  me,  ere  I  rose. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 


51 


How  could  I  look  for  lengthened  rest, 
With  Thy  deep  sufferings  scarcely  known, 
Or  lay  forever  on  Thy  breast, 
The  perfect  heart  which  Thou  wilt  own  ? 
The  heart,  that  guilty  of  Thy  wroes, 
Looks  only  upon  Thee  to  mourn, 
And  feels  the  cross  Thy  love  bestows, 
A  burden  easy  to  be  borne. 

And  yet  that  pause  was  not  in  vain  — 
It  was  a  blessing  meet  to  give 
Strength,  for  the  labor  and  the  pain, 
Whereby  alone  my  soul  might  live. 
How  gently  thence  Thy  mighty  hand 
My  lingering  spirit  onward  bare  ! 
How  precious,  in  a  barren  land, 
The  footprints  of  Thy  people  were  ! 

There  many  hearts  that  knew  Thy  ways 
The  safety  of  my  soul  could  see  — 
And  there  I  heard  the  song  of  praise, 
That  Faith  poiu*ed  out  to  Heaven  for  me. 


52  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Oh,  more  than  all  the  ease  I  sought, 
That  song  the  desert  path  could  bless  — 
And  dearer  in  my  deepest  thought, 
The  love  that  met  me  in  distress. 

Now  that  Thy  mercies  on  my  head 
The  oil  of  joy  for  mourning  pour,  — 
Not  as  I  will  my  steps  be  led, 
But  as  Thou  wilt  for  evermore. 
Henceforth,  whate'er  my  heart's  desire, 
Fulfil  in  me  Thy  own  design, 
I  need  the  fountain  and  the  fire  — 
And  both,  O  King  of  Saints,  are  thine. 

Now  that  my  sense  of  rest  in  Thee, 

Rules  over  every  rising  fear, 

Pain,  pleasure,  all  I  feel  and  see, 

Thy  counsels  to  my  soul  endear. 

Now  can  my  girded  heart  rejoice, 

In  praise  poured  out,  in  love  expressed  — 

Now  may  I  bless  Thee,  with  a  voice 

That  shall  not  break  this  sacred  rest. 


XVIII. 

NATURAL  AFFECTION  IN  THE  NEW  CREATURE. 

11  It  is  sown  a  natural  body;  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body." 
—  1  Cor.  xv.  44. 


JESUS,  Lord  of  Heaven  above, 
Earth  beneath  is  all  Thy  own 
In  the  depths  of  Heavenly  love 
Let  my  human  heart  be  sown. 


Let  my  love  that  as  a  grain 
None  on  earth  might  care  to  see, 
Buried  in  Thy  grave  remain, 
Be  a  precious  seed  to  Thee. 


Thou  wilt  raise  it,  though  it  die, 
Thou  wilt  see  it  hidden  there  — 


54  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Thou  wilt  guard  it  with  Thine  eye 
From  the  spirits  of  the  air. 

None  shall  take  it  thence  away ; 
It  is  sown  for  Thy  delight : 
Thou  wilt  shine  on  it  by  day,  — 
Thou  wilt  shield  it  in  the  night. 

Where  the  silent  waters  flow, 
It  shall  multiply  its  root ; 
It  shall  blossom,  it  shall  grow, 
It  shall  bear  immortal  fruit. 

Sown  in  weakness,  raised  in  power  — 
Sown  in  suffering,  raised  in  peace  — 
It  shall  brave  the  blighting  hour, 
In  the  year  of  drought  increase. 

Never  hurt  by  sun  or  storm, 
Blest  its  every  stage  shall  be  ; 
Dying  in  its  mortal  form  — 
Living  evermore  in  Thee. 


XIX. 


"  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  staid 
on  Thee:  because  he  trusteth  in  Thee." — Isaiah  xxvi.  3. 


H,  this  is  blessing,  this  is  rest  — 
Into  Thine  arms,  O  Lord,  I  flee  : 
I  hide  me  in  Thy  faithful  breast, 
And  pour  out  all  my  soul  to  Thee. 
There  is  a  host  dissuading  me,  — 
But,  all  their  voices  far  above, 
I  hear  Thy  words  —  "  O  taste  and  see 
The  comfort  of  a  Saviour's  love." 
And,  hushing  every  adverse  sound, 
Songs  of  defence  my  soul  surround, 
As  if  all  saints  encamped  about 
One  trusting  heart  pursued  by  doubt. 


56  HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

And  oh,  how  solemn,  yet  how  sweet 
Their  one  assured,  persuasive  strain  ! 
"  The  Lord  of  Hosts  is  thy  retreat, 
The  Man  who  bore  thy  sin,  thy  pain. 
Still  in  His  hand  thy  times  remain  — 
Still  of  His  body  thou  art  part ; 
And  He  will  prove  his  right  to  reign 
O'er  all  things  that  concern  thy  heart." 

0  tenderness  —  O  truth  divine  ! 
Lord,  I  am  altogether  thine. 

1  have  bowed  down  —  I  need  not  flee  — 
Peace,  peace  is  mine  in  trusting  Thee. 

And  now  I  count  supremely  kind, 
The  rule  that  once  I  thought  severe  ; 
And  precious  to  my  altered  mind, 
At  length,  Thy  least  reproofs  appear. 
Now  to  the  love  that  casts  out  fear, 
Mercy  and  truth,  indeed  seem  one  ; 
Why  should  I  hold  my  ease  so  dear  ? 
The  work  of  training  must  be  done. 
I  must  be  taught  what  I  would  know  — 


HYMNS   AND    MEDITATIONS. 


57 


I  must  be  led  where  I  would  go  - 
And  all  the  rest  ordained  for  me, 
Till  that  which  is  not  seen  I  see 
Is  to  be  found  in  trusting  Thee. 


XX. 

"The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul;  therefore  will 
I  hope  in  Him."  —  Lamentations  iii.  24. 


; Y  heart  is  resting,  O  my  God,  — 
I  will  give  thanks  and  sing ; 
My  heart  is  at  the  secret  source 
Of  every  precious  thing. 
Now  the  frail  vessel  Thou  hast  made 

No  hand  but  Thine  shall  fill  — 
For  the  waters  of  the  Earth  have  failed, 
And  I  am  thirsty  still. 


I  thirst  for  springs  of  heavenly  life, 
And  here  all  day  they  rise  — 

I  seek  the  treasure  of  Thy  love, 
And  close  at  hand  it  lies. 

And  a  new  song  is  in  my  mouth 
To  loner  loved  music  set  — 


HYMNS  AND    MEDITATIONS.  59 

Glory  to  Thee  for  all  the  grace 
I  have  not  tasted  yet. 

Glory  to  Thee  for  strength  withheld, 

For  want  and  weakness  known  — 
And  the  fear  that  sends  me  to  Thy  breast 

For  what  is  most  my  own. 
I  have  a  heritage  of  joy 

That  yet  I  must  not  see  ; 
But  the  hand  that  bled  to  make  it  mine 

Is  keeping  it  for  me. 

There  is  a  certainty  of  love 

That  sets  my  heart  at  rest  — 
A  calm  assurance  for  to-day 

That  to  be  poor  is  best  — 
A  prayer  reposing  on  His  truth 

Who  hath  made  all  things  mine, 
That  draws  my  captive  will  to  Him, 

And  makes  it  one  with  Thine. 

I  will  give  thanks  for  suffering  now, 
For  want  and  toil  and  loss  — 


6o  HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

For  the  death  that  sin  makes  hard  and  slow, 

Upon  my  Saviour's  cross  — 
Thanks  for  the  little  spring  of  love 

That  gives  me  strength  to  say, 
If  they  will  leave  me  part  in  Him, 

Let  all  things  pass  away. 

Sometimes  I  long  for  promised  bliss, 

But  it  will  not  come  too  late  — 
And  the  songs  of  patient  spirits  rise 

From  the  place  wherein  I  wait ; 
While  in  the  faith  that  makes  no  haste 

My  soul  has  time  to  see 
A  kneeling  host  of  Thy  redeemed, 

In  fellowship  with  me. 

There  is  a  multitude  around 

Responsive  to  my  prayer ; 
I  hear  the  voice  of  my  desire 

Resounding  everywhere. 
But  the  earnest  of  eternal  joy, 

In  every  prayer  I  trace  ; 
I  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord 

On  every  chastened  face. 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  6 1 

How  oft,  in  still  communion  known, 

Those  spirits  have  been  sent 
To  share  the  travail  of  my  soul, 

Or  show  me  what  it  meant ! 
And  I  long  to  do  some  work  of  love 

No  spoiling  hand  could  touch, 
For  the  poor  and  suffering  of  Thy  flock 

Who  comfort  me  so  much. 

But  the  yearning  thought  is  mingled  now 

With  the  thankful  song  I  sing; 
For  Thy  people  know  the  secret  source 

Of  every  precious  thing. 
The  heart  that  ministers  for  Thee 

In  Thy  own  work  will  rest ; 
And  the  subject  spirit  of  a  child 

Can  serve  Thy  children  best. 

Mine  be  the  reverent,  listening  love, 

That  waits  all  day  on  Thee, 
With  the  service  of  a  watchful  heart 

Which  no  one  else  can  see  — 


62  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

The  faith  that,  in  a  hidden  way 

No  other  eye  may  know, 
Finds  all  its  daily  work  prepared, 

And  loves  to  have  it  so. 

My  heart  is  resting,  O  my  God, 

My  heart  is  in  Thy  care  — 
I  hear  the  voice  of  joy  and  health 

Resounding  everywhere. 
"  Thou  art  my  portion,"  saith  my  soul, 

Ten  thousand  voices  say, 
And  the  music  of  their  glad  Amen, 

Will  never  die  away. 


XXI. 

"  I  will  allure  her,  and  bring  her  into  the  wilderness,  and 
speak  comfortably  unto  her.  And  I  will  give  her  her  vine- 
yards from  thence,  and  the  valley  of  Achor  for  a  door  of 
hope;   and  she  shall  sing  there."  —  Hosea  ii.  14,  15. 

"  I  know,  0  Lord,  that  Thy  judgments  are  right,  and  that 
Thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  me." — Psalm  cxix.  75. 


WILL    love    Thee,    O    Lord,    my 
strength  — 

Thee  shall  my  rescued  heart  em- 
brace ; 
Thy  love,  in  all  its  breadth  and  length, 
Shall  be  my  peaceful  dwelling  place. 
Whom  have  I  on  the  earth  beside  ? 
Thy  cross,  Thy  crown  of  thorns  I  see  ; 
Thou  who  to  save  my  life  hast  died, 
I  will  have  fellowship  with  Thee. 


64  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Surely  Thy  human  heart  has  borne 
My  greatest  grief,  my  least  distress  — 
Surely  I  see  my  Saviour  mourn 
With  the  bowed  spirit  He  will  bless. 
Nailed  to  Thy  cross,  I  would  not   fly 
The  pain  it  grieves  Thy  soul  to  give : 
If  because  Thou  hast  died  I  die, 
Because  Thou  livest  I  shall  live. 

How  could  a  moment's  pang  destroy 

My  heart's  confirmed  repose  in  Thee  ? 

Thy  presence  is  sufficient  joy 

To  one  reclaimed  and  spared  like  me. 

It  is  enough  that  I  am  Thine  — 

Almighty  to  redeem  from  sin  ; 

Thou  shalt  subdue,  correct,  refine 

The  heart  which  Thou  hast  died  to  win. 

Now,  through  this  light  and  passing  pain, 
The  travail  of  Thy  soul  I  see  — 
I  know  Thou  hast  not  borne  in  vain 
The  mortal  anguish  due  to  me  ; 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  65 

Thoughts  of  a  love  unfelt  before 
In  comfort  on  my  heart  descend  — 
This  suffering  must  have  cost  Thee  more 
Than  I  can  ever  comprehend. 

Yet,  through  a  sacred  sympathy, 
I  of  Thy  precious  death  partake  ! 
I  feel  my  fellowship  with  Thee, 
And  with  the  Father  for  Thy  sake. 
I  see  the  source  of  all  Thy  woe, 
Thy  resurrection's  power  I  feel  — 
And  streams  of  living  waters  flow  * 
Through  the  dry  desert  where  I  kneel. 

Shielded  from  every  fear  of  wrath,  — 
Looking  through  love  on  all  that  is  — 
I  see  about  my  troubled  path 
A  cloud  of  tranquil  witnesses. 
Happy  the  chastening  to  endure, 
That  makes  me  one,  in  love  and  trust, 
With  all  the  lowly,  all  the  pure, 
All  the  tried  spirits  of  the  just. 

*  St.  John  vii.  38,  39. 
5 


66  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Thy  children's  sympathy  is  sweet, 
But  all  is  measured  —  all  in  part ; 
Into  Thy  love  my  hopes  retreat, 
For  that  which  satisfies  the  heart. 
There  may  be  other  love  in  store, 
But  none  whereof  Thy  child  may  say  — 
My  strength,  my  life,  for  evermore, 
My  ample  portion  day  by  day. 

Such  solace  as  around  me  grows, 
Thou  for  my  need  shalt  still  prepare  — 
But  make  Thy  bosom  my  repose, 
And  fix  my  expectation  there. 
For  Thou  canst  cherish  and  uphold 
Life,  that  no  eye  but  Thine  may  see  — 
And  no  rough  wind,  no  heat,  or  cold, 
Shall  hurt  the  love  that  clings  to  Thee. 

In  to  Thy  silent  place  of  prayer, 
The  anxious  wandering  mind  recall  -— 
Dwell  mid  Thy  own  creation  there, 
Restoring,  claiming,  hallowing  all. 


HYMNS   AND    MEDITATIONS.  6j 

Then  the  calm  spirit,  won  from  sin, 
Thy  perfect  sacrifice  shall  be  — 
And  all  the  ransomed  powers  therein 
Shall  go  forth,  glorifying  Thee. 

Out  of  this  spirit  of  Thy  grace, 

Oh,  who  can  tell  what  light  has  beamed  ! 

I  see  the  solitary  place, 

A  garden  for  Thy  own  redeemed. 

I  see  the  desolated  ground, 

With  dews  of  Heavenly  kindness  fed  — 

And  fruits  of  joy  and  love  surround 

The  heart  which  Thou  hast  comforted. 

O  knowledge  all  my  thoughts  above  ! 
This  thirsty  vale  I  could  not  flee,* 
This  yearning  for  unbounded  love 
Has  been  "  a  door  of  hope  "  to  me. 
Who  would  go  forth  in  haste  by  flight, 
From  the  dry  land  which  Thou  wilt  bless  — 
Sown  with  the  everlasting  light, 
That  shows  Thy  "  very  faithfulness  I  " 

*  Hosea  ii.  6. 


68  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Thou  hast  loved  me,  O  Lord,  my  strength ; 
On  Thee  my  yielded  heart  shall  lean  ; 
Thy  guiding  love  in  all  its  length 
Shall  teach  me  all  Thy  judgments  mean. 
And  I  will  ask  Thee  for  a  sign 
That  many  an  anxious  eye  may  see  — 
Give  me  the  love  that  rests  in  Thine, 
For  those  whom  Thou  hast  tried  like  me. 

Love  that  believes,  is  always  sweet 

To  fearful  hearts,  which  Thou  wilt  guide, 

And  mine  may  win  some  timid  feet, 

To  the  deep  River's  quiet  side. 

While  from  that  River's  fertile  banks, 

My  resting  eye  their  portion  sees  — 

O  that  my  soul  might  yield  Thee  thanks, 

By  comforting  the  least  of  these. 


XXII. 

"  Deep  calleth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of  Thy  waterspouts ; 
all  Thy  waves  and  Thy  billows  are  gone  over  me.  Yet  the 
Lord  will  command  His  lovingkindness  in  the  daytime,  and 
m  the  night  his  song  shall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto 
the  God  of  my  life."— Psalm  xlii.  7,  8. 


;0  not  far  from  me,  O  my  strength, 
Whom  all  my  times  obey ; 
Take  from  me  anything  Thou  wilt, 
But  go  not  Thou  away,  — 
And  let  the  storm  that  does  Thy  work 
Deal  with  me  as  it  may. 


On  Thy  compassion  I  repose, 
In  weakness  and  distress  : 

I  will  not  ask  for  greater  ease, 
Lest  I  should  love  Thee  less. 


70  HYMNS  AND    MEDITATIONS. 

Oh,  'tis  a  blessed  thing  for  me 
To  need  Thy  tenderness. 

While  many  sympathizing  hearts 

For  my  deliverance  care, 
Thon,  in  Thy  wiser,  stronger  love, 

Art  teaching  me  to  bear  — 
By  the  sweet  voice  of  thankful  song, 

And  calm,  confiding  prayer. 

Thy  love  has  many  a  lighted  path, 

No  outward  eye  can  trace, 
And  my  heart  sees  Thee  in  the  deep, 

With  darkness  on  its  face, 
And  communes  with  Thee,  mid  the  storm, 

As  in  a  secret  place. 

O  comforter  of  God's  redeemed, 
Whom  the  world  does  not  see, 

What  hand  should  pluck  me  from  the  flood, 
That  casts  my  soul  on  Thee  ? 

Who  would  not  suffer  pain  like  mine, 
To  be  consoled  like  me  ? 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  71 

When  I  am  feeble  as  a  child, 
And  flesh  and  heart  give  way, 

Then  on  Thy  everlasting  strength, 
With  passive  trust  I  stay. 

And  the  rough  wind  becomes  a  song, 
The  darkness  shines  like  day. 

Oh,  blessed  are  the  eyes  that  see, 

Though  silent  anguish  show, 
The  love  that  in  their  hours  of  sleep, 

Unthanked  may  come  and  go. 
And  blessed  are  the  ears  that  hear, 

Though  kept  awake  by  woe. 

Happy  are  they  that  learn,  in  Thee, 
Though  patient  suffering  teach, 

The  secret  of  enduring  strength, 
And  praise  too  deep  for  speech  — 

Peace  that  no  pressure  from  without, 
No  strife  within,  can  reach. 

There  is  no  death  for  me  to  fear, 
For  Christ,  my  Lord,  hath  died ; 


72  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

There  is  no  curse  in  this  my  pain, 

For  He  was  crucified. 
And  it  is  fellowship  with  Him 

That  keeps  me  near  His  side. 

My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God,  my  strength  — 

My  heart  is  strong  to  bear ; 
I  will  be  joyful  in  Thy  love, 

And  peaceful  in  Thy  care. 
Deal  with  me,  for  my  Saviour's  sake, 

According  to  His  prayer. 

No  suffering  while  it  lasts  is  joy, 

How  blest  soe'er  it  be  — 
Yet  may  the  chastened  child  be  glad 

His  Father's  face  to  see  ; 
And  oh,  it  is  not  hard  to  bear, 

What  must  be  borne  in  Thee. 

It  is  not  hard  to  bear  by  faith, 

In  Thy  own  bosom  laid, 
The  trial  of  a  soul  redeemed, 

For  Thy  rejoicing  made. 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  73 

Well  may  the  heart  in  patience  rest, 
That  none  can  make  afraid. 

Safe  in  Thy  sanctifying  grace, 

Almighty  to  restore  — 
Borne  onward  —  sin  and  death  behind, 

And  love  and  life  before  — 
Oh,  let  my  soul  abound  in  hope, 

And  praise  Thee  more  and  more  ! 

Deep  unto  deep  may  call,  but  I 
With  peaceful  heart  will  say  — 

Thy  loving-kindness  hath  a  charge 
No  waves  can  take  away ; 

And  let  the  storm  that  speeds  me  home, 
Deal  with  me  as  it  may. 


*o* 


XXIII. 

"  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto  the  fellow- 
ship of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord."  —  1  Cor.  i.  6. 


,OWED    with   a    burden    none    can 
weigh  save  Thee, 
Strength  of  my  life,  on  Thee  I  cast 
my  care  ; 
My  heart  mnst  prove  its  own  infirmity, 
But  what  shall  move  me,  if  my  God  be 
there  ? 


Oh  for  a  thankful  song  with  every  breath, 
While  amid  fading  flowers  and  withering 
grass, 
I,  with  Thee,  through  the  grave  and  gate 
death, 
On  to  my  joyful  resurrection  pass. 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  75 

Armed  with  the  spirit  of  my  Master's  mind, 
How  shall   I   spare    a   thought   that   He 
would  slay  ? 
Lord    I    would    leave    those    things    which 
are  behind, 
And  press  towards  Heaven   through   all 
the  narrow  way. 

Bright  be  my  prospect  as  I  pass  along ;  — 
An  ardent  service  at  the  cost  of  all,  — 

Love  by  untiring  ministry  made  strong, 
And  ready  for  the  first,  the  softest  call. 

Yes,  God  is  faithful  —  and  my  lot  is  cast ; 

Oh  not  myself  to  serve,  my  own  to  be ! 
Light  of  my  life,  the  darkness  now  is  past, 

And  I  beneath  the   Cross  can  work  for 
Thee. 


mm 


XXIV. 

"He  that  loveth  his  life  shall  lose  it;  and  he  that  hateth 
his  life  in  this  world  shall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal."  —  St. 
John  xii.  25. 


!\VEET  be    Thy   words   of    sternest 
truth, 

My  risen  Lord  to  me  ! 
Hid  in  the  secret  of  my  heart 

Their  deepest  treasure  be  ; 
That  I  may  comprehend  the  joy 
Of  sacrifice  for  Thee. 


And  softly  let  the  light  of  life, 

Before  Thy  servant  shine, 
That  through  the  gloom  with  steadfast  will, 

My  soul  may  follow  Thine  — 


HYMNS  AND    MEDITATIONS.  77 

Calm  in  the  depth  of  one  desire, 
And  strong  in  one  design. 

Bnt  never  let  me  think  I  see 

Thy  heavenly  things  aright, 
Unless  the  single  eye  of  love 

Fill  my  whole  mind  with  light, 
And  to  be  like  Thee  in  Thy  death 

Seems  glorious  *  in  my  sight. 

That  willing  sacrifice  of  Thine 

My  meditation  make, 
Till  to  the  true  delight  of  life 

My  soul  with  songs  awake,  — 
And  all  that  spoils  me  of  myself 

Be  treasure  for  Thy  sake. 

The  tenderest  heart  Thy  hands  have  made 

Beneath  Thy  rule  may  rest ; 
For  He  who  made  it  for  Himself 

Knows  what  will  shield  it  best,  — 
The  feeblest  lover  of  Thy  law, 

Dwells  safely  in  Thy  breast. 

*  2  St.  Peter  i.  3. 


78  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Now  through  a  strait  and  painful  way 

My  weary  feet  must  press ; 
But  what  shall  hurt  the  struggling  soul 

Which  Thou  hast  died  to  bless, 
Or  prompt  a  spirit  to  complain 

That  knows  its  blessedness ! 

Nor  seems  it  strange  to  one  who  weighs 

The  joy  of  liberty, 
This  death  of  suffering  to  himself, 

This  life  of  love  to  Thee, 
Which  gives  the  lowly  power  to  reign 

And  makes  the  servant  free. 

0  let  no  timid  faithless  thought 
Prevail  my  bonds  to  spare  ! 

Lord,  I  can  drink  Thy  bitter  cup, 
Thy  fiery  trial  share,  — 

1  can  deny  myself  for  Thee, 
And  for  Thy  glory  care. 

Only  the  unction  of  Thy  love, 
With  everv  cross  be  mine  — 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Till  these  Thy  words  —  so  firm  to  gird, 

So  searching  to  refine  — 
Be  sweet  unto  Thy  servant's  soul 

Even  as  they  are  to  Thine. 


79 


XXV. 

"It  is  a  faithful  saying:  For  if  we  be  dead  with  Him,  we 
shall  also  live  with  Him:  if  we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign 
with  Him."  — 2  Timothy  ii.  11,  12. 

"  Most  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirm- 
ities, that  the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me."  —  2  Cor. 
xii.  9. 


OMPASSED  about  with  songs,  my 
soul  was  still  — 
But  not  for  lack  of  light  its  bliss 
to  see  ; 
Thy  heart,  my  Father,  could  the  temple  fill, 
And  its  deep  silence  was  a  song  to  Thee. 
My  mind  reposed  in  its  captivity, 

By  the  clear  evidence  of  love  subdued ; 
I  was  content  to  die,  that  I  might  be 
Redeemed  forever  from  my  solitude. 
All  that  was  in  me  to  Thy  throne  aspired 
Longed   for    Thy   heavenly   glory   to    be 
meet,  — 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  8 1 


Devotion  was  the  joy  to  be  desired, 

And   the    one    thought    of   sacrifice    was 
sweet. 

But  He  who  knew  my  frame  was  training 
me 
For  service  needing  strength  that  cannot 
wane, 
And  teaching  me  my  frail  mortality 

By  solemn  reckonings   of  the  weight  of 
pain. 
I  in  my  weakness  —  how  was  I  to  reign, 
When    suffering    was    the    only    way    to 
power  ? 
And  would  my  spirit  in  His  strength  remain, 
When  watching  was  a  strife  of  one  short 
hour? 
Could  I  with  steadfast  heart  myself  deny  ? 
Could  I  with  patient  love  the  Cross  en- 
dure ? 
Should  I  be  every  day  content  to  die, 
To  keep  my  daily  life  in  Him  secure  ? 


82  HYMNS   AND  MEDITATIONS. 

Then  with  fresh  sweetness,  from  the  saints 
in  light, 
One    song   of  victory   to  my  soul  made 
known, 
How  the  hid  treasure  of  the  Church's  might 
Was  in  the  power  of  her  Beloved  alone. 
And  then  Thy  glory  to  my  heart  was  shown, 
Even  as  the  glory  of  the  blest  above  ;  — 
I  knew  Thy  steadfast  spirit  was  my  own, 
By  the  pure  joy  of  Thy  reflected  love. 
And    the    mind    communed   with    me   that 
was  his 
Who  said  "  When  I  am  weak  then  am 
I  strong  "  — 
Until  the  voice  of  my  infirmities 

Made  harmony  with  that  triumphant  song. 


XXVI. 

"  Arise,  walk  through  the  land  in  the  length  of  it  and  in 
the  breadth  of  it;  for  I  will  give  it  unto  thee."  — Gen.  xiii. 
17. 

"  All  things  are  yours things  present."  — 

1  Cor.  iii.  21,  22. 

HILE  toil  and  warfare  urge  us  on 
s?3         our  way, 
And    heart    is    answering    heart    in 
signs  of  pain, 
Have  we  no  words  of  strengthening  joy  to 
say  — 
No   songs   for  those   who    suffer    but    to 
reign  ? 


Oh  for  the  faithful  mind,  the  steadfast  eye, 
To  keep  our  Leader's  glory  full  in  sight, 


84  HYMXS   AXD   MEDITATIONS. 

And  make  our  converse,  even  while  we  die, 
An  interchange   of  triumph  and  delight. 

Behold,  the  paths  of  life  are  ours  —  we  see 
Our  blest  inheritance  where'er  we  tread  ; 

Sorrow  and  danger  our  security, 

And  disappointment  lifting  up  our  head. 

Kings   unto    God,  we   may  not    doubt    our 
power, 
We    may   not   languish   when   He    says, 
"Be  strong"  — 
We  must  move   on  through  every  adverse 
hour, 
And  take  possession  as  we  pass  along. 

Yes,  all  is  for  us  —  nothing  shall  withstand 
Our  faithful,  valiant,  persevering  claim ;  — 

The  rod  of  God's  Anointed  in  our  hand, 
And  our  assurance  His  unchanging  name. 

We    need    no    haste   where    He    has    said 
«  Be  still  "— 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  85 

No  peace  where  He  lias   charged   us   to 
contend  ; 
Only  the  fearless  love  to  do  His  will, 
And  to  show  forth  His  honor  to  the  end. 

O  ye  that  faint  and  die,  arise  and  live  ! 

Sing,  ye  that  all  things  have  a  charge  to 
bless  ! 
If  He  is  faithful  who  hath  sworn  to  give, 

Then  be  ye  also  faithful,  and  possess. 

Take  thy  whole  portion  with  thy  Master's 
mind  — 
Toil,  hindrance,  hardness,  with  His  virtue 
take  — 
And  think  how  short  a  time  thy  heart  may 
find 
To  labor  or  to  suffer  for  His  sake. 

Count  all  the  pains  that  speed  thee  to  thy 
rest 
Among  the  riches  of  thy  purchased  right ; 


86  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Yea,   bind    them    in    His   name   upon   thy 
breast, 
As  jewels  for  the  Bride,  the  Lamb's  de- 
light. 

And  love  shall  teach  us  while  on  Him  we 
lean, 

That,  in  the  certainty  of  coming  bliss, 
"We  may  be  yearning  for  a  world  unseen, 

Yet  wear  our  beautiful  array  in  this. 

Ours  be  a  loyal  love  for  service  tried, 
To  show,  by  deeds  and  words  and  looks 
that  cheer, 
How  He  can  bless  the  scene  in  which  He 
died, 
And  fill  His  house  with  glory  even  here. 


XXVII. 

"  Jesus  said  unto  His  disciples,  If  any  man  will  come  after 
me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow 
me."  —  St.  Matt.  xvi.  24. 

"  I  lead  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  in  the  midst  of  the 
paths  of  judgment:  that  I  may  cause  those  that  love  me  to 
inherit  substance,  and  I  will  fill  their  treasures."  —  Pro  v. 
viii.  20,  21. 


EAVENLY    things    my    soul    hath 
seen, 

Things  the  Holy  Spirit  shows,  — 
Things  on  which  the  heart  can  lean 

When  the  flesh  has  no  repose. 
All  was  light,  and  life  and  rest  — 
Love  was  mine,  and  I  was  blest : 
Every  pain  I  had  to  bear 
Proved  my  Shepherd's  tender  care  ; 
Everything  I  had  to  do 


88  HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Taught  my  heart  that  He  was  true  : 
I  could  choose  the  way  He  trod, 
I  could  give  my  will  to  God. 
Waters  still  and  pastures  green, 
Pleasant  paths  my  soul  hath  seen. 

Is  it  all  a  vision  gone  ! 

Was  the  gladness  all  in  vain  ? 
Oh  to  travel  firmly  on  ! 

Oh  to  tread  those  paths  again ! 
Lord,  on  Thee  my  help  is  laid ; 
Thou  art  true,  but  I  have  strayed ;  — 
Left  Thee  with  a  froward  will, 
Strayed  from  One  who  loves  me  still. 
Through  the  tangled  waste  I  see, 
Seek  the  sheep  that  pants  for  Thee. 
Show  me  the  forsaken  track, 
Lead  Thy  wanderer  safely  back : 
Let  no  fear  my  steps  withhold 
From  the  flock  within  Thy  fold. 

Sacred  memories  do  not  cease  — 
Still  my  heart,  where'er  I  go, 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  89 

Sees  the  river  of  thy  peace 

Through  those  pleasant  pastures  flow. 
Still,  amid  the  desert  drear, 
Songs  of  heavenly  love  I  hear. 
Heavenly  love  !  the  sound  is  sweet, 
Lo,  it  stays  my  wandering  feet, — 
Leads  to  Thee  for  all  I  lack,  — 
Softly  bids  me  welcome  back. 
Thoughts  of  perfect  gifts  it  brings, 
Thoughts  of  deep  enduring  things, — 
Thoughts  of  joy  I  yet  may  see 
Hidden  in  Thy  word  for  me. 

O  my  Saviour !  never  more 

From  my  treasure  to  depart, 
Now  my  failing  will  restore, 

Fix  the  purpose  of  my  heart. 
Let  Thy  spirit  in  me  be 
Springing  up  in  love  to  Thee. 
Listening,  following  day  by  day, 
Steadfast  in  my  onward  way, 
Girded  with  Thy  faithful  mind, 
Pleasant  paths  I  yet  shall  find. 


90  BYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Fountains  at  my  feet  shall  rise, 
Riches  hid  shall  meet  mine  eyes. 

Songs  of  glory  to  my  God 
In  the  desert  shall  be  heard  ! 

There  is  comfort  in  Thy  rod, 
Power  in  Thy  reproving  -word. 

In  a  spirit  all  thine  own 

Make  Thy  hardest  sayings  known. 

They  will  guard  me  with  Thy  strength, 

Bear  me  all  my  journey's  length ; 

Give  me  for  the  daily  strife, 

Joy  and  health  and  plenteous  life. 

Hid  within  for  precious  fruit, 

Loye  shall  take  eternal  root  — 

Loye  that  in  the  Spirit  lives  ; 

Loye  that  grows  by  all  it  gives. 

'Neath  a  rule  so  firm  to  bless, 

I  shall  learn  Thy  gentleness. 

Show  it  forth  in  all  I  do, 

Making  others  feel  it  too. 

Saviour  !  fast  the  moments  flee  — 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  91 

Oh  decide  my  will  to-day. 
Bind  my  heart  to  follow  Thee 

Ere  the  song  has  died  away. 
Never  let  a  fear  or  pain 
Turn  me  to  myself  again. 
Though  my  strengh  has  failed  me  long, 
Let  Thy  promise  make  me  strong  — 
Strong  my  nature  to  withstand,  — 
Strong  to  hold  Thy  guiding  hand. 
All  the  joy  before  me  set 
Teach  me  never  to  forget. 
If  indeed  with  Thee  to  stay 
I  must  choose  a  narrow  way,  — 
If  my  inmost  heart  must  give 
All  its  purpose,  thus  to  live,  — 
Still,  my  portion  Thou  must  be, 
Still  my  spirit  cries  to  Thee. 
Oh  for  all  Thy  light  to  shine  ! 
Oh  for  love  to  keep  me  Thine. 


XXVIII. 

"  I  commune  with  mine  own  heart."  —  Psalm  lxxvii.  6. 

RE  another  step  I  take 

In  my  wilful  wandering  way, 
Still  I  have  a  choice  to  make  — 
Shall  I  alter  while  I  may  ? 

Patient  love  is  waiting  still 

In  my  Saviour's  heart  for  me  ; 

Love  to  bend  my  froward  will, 
Love  to  make  me  really  free. 


Far  from  Him,  what  can  I  gain  ? 

Want  and  shame,  and  bondage  vile 
Better  far  to  bear  the  pain 

Of  His  yoke  a  little  while. 


1IYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.  93 

Soon  I  might  its  comfort  find ; 

Soon  my  thankful  heart  might  cry, 
"In  Thy  meek  obedient  mind, 

As  Thou  walkest  so  would  I." 

In  His  paths  what  could  I  lack  ? 

God's  own  hand  my  cup  would  fill  -, 
Hark  !  my  Saviour  calls  me  back  — 

Shall  I  turn  with  all  my  will  ? 

Still  His  wisdom  I  may  get  — 
Learn  to  labor  while  I  pray. 

Striving  till  my  feet  be  set 
Firmly  in  the  narrow  way. 


XXIX. 

A    RESURRECTION    HYMN. 
The  Lord  is  risen." 

EAR  Saviour  of  a  dying  world, 
Where  grief  and  change  must  be, 
In    the    new    grave    where    Thou 
wast  laid 
My  heart  lies  down  with  Thee. 
Oh,  not  in  cold  despair  of  joy, 

Or  weariness  of  pain, 
But  from  a  hope  that  shall  not  die, 
To  rise  and  live  again. 


I  would  arise  in  all  Thy  strength 
My  place  on  earth  to  fill, 

To  work  out  all  my  time  of  war 
With  love's  unflinching  will. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  95 

Firm  against  every  doubt  of  Thee 

For  all  my  future  way  — 
To  walk  in  Heaven's  eternal  light 

Throughout  the  changing  day. 

Ah,  such  a  day  as  Thou  shalt  own 

When  suns  have  ceased  to  shine  ! 
A  day  of  burdens  borne  by  Thee, 

And  work  that  all  was  Thine. 
Speed  Thy  bright  rising  in  my  heart, 

Thy  righteous  kingdom  speed,  — 
Till  my  whole  life  in  concord  say, 

"  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed." 

Oh  for  an  impulse  from  Thy  love 

With  every  coming  breath, 
To  sing  that  sweet  undying  song 

Amid  the  wrecks  of  death  ! 
A  "  hail !  "  to  every  mortal  pang 

That  bids  me  take  my  right. 
To  glory  in  the  blessed  life 

Which  Thou  hast  brought  to  light. 


96  HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

I  long  to  see  the  hallowed  earth 

In  new  creation  rise, 
To  find  the  germs  of  Eden  hid 

Where  its  fallen  beauty  lies,  — 
To  feel  the  spring-tide  of  a  soul 

By  one  deep  love  set  free, 
Made  meet  to  lay  aside  her  dust 

And  be  at  home  with  Thee. 

And  then  —  there  shall  be  yet  an  end  — 

An  end  now  full  to  bless  ! 
How  dear  to  those  who  watch  for  Thee 

With  human  tenderness. 
Then  shall  the  saying  come  to  pass 

That  makes  our  hope  complete, 
And,  rising  from  the  conquered  grave, 

Thy  parted  ones  shall  meet. 

Yes  —  they  shall  meet,  and  face  to  face 

By  heart  to  heart  be  known, 
Clothed  with  Thy  Likeness,  Lord  of  Life, 
And  perfect  hi  their  own. 


HYMNS   AND    MEDITATIONS.  97 

For  this  corruptible  must  rise 

From  its  corruption  free, 
And  this  frail  mortal  must  put  on 

Thine  immortality. 

Shine  then,  Thou  Resurrection  Light, 

Upon  our  sorrows  shine  ! 
The  fulness  of  Thy  joy  be  ours, 

As  all  our  griefs  were  Thine. 
Now  in  this  changing,  dying  life 

Our  faded  hopes  restore, 
Till,  in  Thy  triumph  perfected, 

We  taste  of  death  no  more. 


XXX. 


A    NEW-YEAR    HYMN. 


SUNLIGHT  of  the  heavenly  day, 

Mighty  to  revive  and  cheer, 
Bless  our  yet  untrodden  way, 
Lead  us  through  the  entered  year. 
Where  the  shades  of  death  we  see, 
Let  Thy  living  brightness  be  — 
Let  it  speed  our  lingering  feet  — 
Let  it  shine  on  all  we  meet. 
While  before  our  chastened  gaze 
Earthly  pleasures  fade  and  fail, 
Thou,  the  light  of  all  our  days  — 
Thou,  our  steadfast  glory,  hail ! 


Forward,  though  the  path  be  hid ; 
Though  we  pass  the  lurking  foe  ; 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.  99 

Though  the  sound  of  war  forbid, 
Girt  with  gladness,  let  us  go. 
Bold  in  Thy  protecting  care, 
Strong  to  prove  Thee  faithful  there  ; 
Through  the  desert  or  the  sea, 
On,  to  reign  in  life  with  Thee. 

Ah,  with  more  than  fearless  heart, 
Homeward  be  our  faces  set ; 

Show  us  in  our  present  part 

Wealth  we  have  not  measured  yet. 

Open  Thou  beneath  our  tread 

Springs  the  distance  could  not  show  ; 

From  the  holy  Fountain-head, 
Let  them  rise  where'er  we  go. 
Rather  give  us  eyes  to  see  — 
Love  awake   to  love  in  Thee  — 
Hearts  that,  trusting  in  Thy  care, 
Find  its  traces  everywhere. 

Teach  us,  as  we  pass  along, 
In  the  shining  of  Thy  face, 

Many  a  sweet  thanksgiving-song, 
Even  in  a  dreary  place. 


100         HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

While  with  firm,  unyielding  will 
For  the  victor's  crown  we  strive, 

Gracious  Saviour,  keep  us  still 
To  Thy  gentlest  signs  alive  — 
Where  the  stormy  wind  is  heard, 
Quick  to  every  tender  word, 
And  for  all  our  journey's  length, 
Armed  with  meekness  more  than  strength. 

In  the  shadow  of  Thy  hand 

We  can  brave  the  uprooting  gale, 

And  a  little  child  may  stand 

Where  the  soldier's  heart  would  fail. 

Oft  a  desolating  blast 

Bears  the  seed  of  comfort  too, 

And  the  patient  soul  at  last 
Finds  a  garden  where  it  blew ; 
So,  where  nothing  cheers  our  sight, 
Germs  of  love  may  spring  to  light, 
Bright  'mid  earth's  oppressive  shades, 
Fresh  beside  the  leaf  that  fades. 

Let  the  precious  seed  abound  — 
Make  the  tempest  strong  to  bless, 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.         ioi 

Strong  to  claim  our  thorny  ground 
For  the  fruits  of  holiness. 

Lord  of  All !  we  cannot  know 
What  our  paths  may  yet  unfold ; 

But  the  part  that  love  would  show  — 
Wise  to  save  us  —  Thou  hast  told. 
By  our  heart's  unmeasured  price  — 
By  Thy  life-long  sacrifice  — 
By  Thy  death  to  set  us  free, 
Lead  us  on  to  joy  in  Thee. 

On,  to  greet  the  perfect  day, 

Blessed  End  of  time  and  strife,  — 

On,  through  all  the  shining  way, 
Brightness  of  our  human  life. 


XXXI. 


BEREAVEMENT. 


LOW  on,  Thou  Fountain  of  my  joy, 
Through  all  the  wilderness  ! 
Thou  seest  what  will  work  for  good, 
Thou  knowest  how  to  bless. 
Get  Thyself  glory,  0  my  God, 
Be  praised  in  my  distress  ! 


Oh,  let  Thy  true,  refining  love 
Its  utmost  pleasure  see  ; 

And  lift  not  up  Thy  faithful  hand 
Whate'er  my  cry  may  be, 

Till  I  am  strong  for  Thy  renown, 
And  pure  for  use  to  Thee. 


HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS.         103 

I  know  Thine  eye  has  weighed  the  path 

To  Thy  lost  creature's  bliss. 
No  comfort  could  supply  the  need 

Of  grief  so  sore  as  this  ;  — 
No  joy  could  wake  my  heart  so  well 

To  Thy  full  preciousness. 

Thou  wast  the  Source  of  all  that  love 
Which  makes  me  glad  no  more,  — 

And  Thou  hast  taken  to  Thyself 
What  was  Thine  own  before. 

Thine,  and  mine  too,  O  Good  to  give, 
O  Faithful  to  restore. 

That  loving  spirit  is  withdrawn 

From  every  shade  of  sin  ; 
And  I  in  sympathy  with  her 

A  holier  life  begin. 
Yes  !  to  her  new  delight  in  Thee, 

I,  Lord,  can  enter  in. 

She  with  Thee,  wheresoe'er  Thou  art, 
In  fellowship  untold  ! 


104         HYMXS  AXD    MEDITATIONS. 

She  in  Thee,  living  by  my  Bread, 
My  Hope,  my  heart's  stronghold ! 

Oh  !  'tis  a  song  for  days  of  grief, 
Whate'er  their  depths  nnfold. 

As  one  whose  mother  comforts  him, 

I  will  lift  up  my  head. 
No  wound  of  Thine  shall  take  the  life 

From  words  which  Thou  hast  said, 
And  in  the  fulness  of  Thy  truth 

I  shall  be  comforted. 


XXXII. 


""Whosoever  -will  lose  his  life  for  my  sake  shall  find  it." 
St.  Matt.  xvi.  25. 


there    is    more    that    ear    hath 
heard, 

Light   of  the  World,  in   this   Thy 
word ! 
It  speaks  the  living  soul  to  win ; 
It  claims  the  loving  heart  within  ; 
It  tells  us,  inly  understood, 
That  Thou  art  God,  that  Thou  art  good. 
Here  our  fallen  nature  raised  we  see,  — 
Here  our  lost  glory  shines  in  Thee, — 
And  man  sees  man  in  mortal  strife, 
A  witness  that  to  love  is  life. 


106        HYMNS   AND   MEDITATIONS. 

Yes,  for  Thy  sake  —  O  strong  to  bear  ! 
The  secret  of  Thy  strength  was  there. 
'Twas  not  the  power  which  gave  us  breath, 
That    urged    Thee    through   the   gates   of 

death, 
That  bade  Thee  tread  the  press  alone 
To  make  the  Father's  message  known. 
It  was  Thy  spirit's  deep  intent ; 
It  was  Thy  love  for  Him  who  sent ; 
It  was  His  joy  that  bore  Thee  through, 
And  he  who  sees  Thee  sees  Him  too. 

Yes,  for  Thy  sake,  O  God  Most  High, 
O  !  Man  Most  Meek,  we  too  can  die  :  — 
Die  to  the  death  which  Thou  hast  slain, 
Die  to  the  deepest  source  of  pain, 
And  walk,  by  Love's  sustaining  store, 
As  seekers  of  our  own  no  more. 

We  can  hear  more  than  ear  hath  heard, 
Life  of  the  World !  in  this  Thy  word ; 
And  wastes  shall  break  forth  into  song, 
As  in  its  power  we  pass  along. 


HYMNS  AND   MEDITATIONS.         107 

For  lo  !  in  hidden  deep  accord, 
The  servant  may  be  like  his  Lord. 
And  Thy  love  our  love  shining  through, 
May  tell  the  world  that  Thou  art  true, 
Till  those  who  see  us  see  Thee  too. 


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PRINTED   BY   H.    0.    HOUGHTON,    RIVERSIDE,   CAMBRIDGE. 


